All collections are printed on Ruby Star cotton, a lighter weight quilting cotton with a beautifully soft and drapey hand. We are sooo excited about how this substrate feels! The lighter weight lends Ruby Star cotton a versatility that makes it perfectly suited for both quilting and garment sewing.

Abstract by Kimberly Kight.

You will see both creamy white and natural, unbleached base-cloths throughout the designers’ first collections. For certain prints, the designers prefer the depth, warmth and richness that the unbleached fabric lends to the design printed on the surface. (You might see some small flecks in the unbleached prints – these are just part of the natural characteristics of unbleached cotton!)

Let’s talk more about each designer’s first fabrics!

Melody’s first group Social is a cheerful collection in her signature vintage-inspired style and color that makes us think of long phone calls with friends and meeting up to dish over ice cream. Her basic, Spark, is like a polka dot, but better – it features a delicate asterisk motif that you’ll find throughout the rest of Melody’s work. Social and Spark ship together in July.

Alexia’s first group Alma is about the ties of community, family, and friendships. Alexia was inspired by her mother’s quiet strength and lifelong pursuits of textile arts and gardening. Alexia’s basic Add It Up is a very popular print she’s brought back in a few familiar colors and lots of new ones. Alma and Add It Up ship together in August.

Rashida’s first group Pop! is a joyful collection inspired by things that go pop. So pop on a record, have a cold bottle of soda pop, and join in the party. (Don’t pop those cute balloon animals, though!). Her basic Zip! is a versatile stripe with a painterly treatment. Pop! And Zip! ship together in July.

Kim’s first group Anagram is a Memphis modern inspired collection full of fun geometric shapes and elements of vintage graphic design. Grid is Kim’s popular basic print, back in eleven colors, including two metallic gold. Anagram and Grid ship together in July.

Sarah’s first group Crescent celebrates the mysteries of a mythical nighttime woods and the fun of dreaming up enchanting narratives. A one-yard panel in three colors includes four large focal pieces and tons of smaller tags and labels to stitch onto gifts you make your loved ones. Sarah’s basic Brushed is a textured print she created with ink. Crescent and Brushed ship together in August.

She also designed an amazing, giant 108” wide panel that includes a 78 x 98” quilt top/back, two coordinating sham fronts, a throw pillow front, and a few other smaller pieces you can use however you want! (This panel is the only thing printed on a different base – it’s a gorgeous, lush cotton sateen.)

We have been collaborating since last June with the lovely people at Moda to create these fabrics, and it means so much to finally be putting them out into the world. If you’re coming to QuiltCon, you’ll be able to see and touch our first release in real life – and play with it on some BERNINA sewing machines!